Synthesis and investigation of the rheological properties of chemically modified plant-based polysaccharides

Cosmetic products are composed of functional ingredients, such as active components, preservatives, emulsifiers and rheological modifiers. Among these, rheological modifiers play a critical role in defining product texture and ensuring optimal skin application. Synthetic polyacrylates serve these purposes, but their lack of biodegradability conflicts with sustainability targets. Due to growing demand for sustainable cosmetics, significant efforts have been directed towards the identification of biodegradable alternatives to these ingredients. The aim of this thesis project is to develop a biodegradable rheology modifier by chemically modifying a plant-based polysaccharide to improve its thickening and rheological properties, offering a sustainable solution without sacrificing functionality.